Matt Gaetz has said he "does not intend" to join the next Congress. In an interview with podcaster Charlie Kirk on Friday, Gaetz said he did not plan on filling the seat, which would leave the spot open for a special election.
Gaetz's time as nominee for Attorney General of the United States ended Thursday when he withdrew from consideration, citing his nomination "becoming a distraction."
I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Gaetz, now a former Congressman, surprised many across the political spectrum.
Gaetz used to represent Florida's 1st Congressional District, which covers the western Panhandle. He won reelection earlier this Monday for what would have been his fifth term in Congress, but he resigned just after his nomination was announced.
In Congress, Gaetz served on the House Judiciary Committee and was critical of the Department of Justice for bringing federal charges against the former president.
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Gaetz has also faced serious allegations involving his personal life. In 2021, Gaetz was accused of having sex with a 17-year-old girl and violating federal sex trafficking laws, but the Department of Justice said it would not bring charges against him last year after a multi-year investigation into the allegations. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing; however, his actions are still being investigated by the bipartisan House Ethics Committee.
In addition to sexual misconduct, the committee is also reviewing accusations of illicit drug use, accepting improper gifts, and seeking to obstruct government investigations of his conduct. The results of the probe were expected before the end of this year.
In June, the committee said it was no longer reviewing allegations that he shared inappropriate images or videos with colleagues on the House floor, accepted a bribe, or converted campaign funds to personal use.
A Florida native, Gaetz graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary sciences before receiving a law degree from William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia.
While in Congress, Gaetz has had a rocky relationship with Democrats and Republicans.
Gaetz is responsible for Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy losing his job. He's the lawmaker who filed the resolution in 2023 that led to McCarthy's ousting.
Trump issued a statement after Gaetz's announcement saying he appreciated his "recent efforts" to seek Senate approval.
"He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect," Trump wrote. "Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!"
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